MAKING AN INVESTIGATOR

Published scenarios do not need to include custom character generation procedures. Each iteration of the Liminal Horror rules that is available include resources for quick making of Investigators that can be used by Facilitators. That being said, custom content for character creation is one of the quickest ways to reinforce the genre themes of a scenario.

Many official published scenarios include some specific additions to the character creation process. The Mall has custom mall themed backgrounds. The Bureau, The Bloom, and Hungry Hollow all include scenario specific archetypes that align with their specific framing.

When designing your own Creating an Investigator sections, the two main areas for customization are either providing a custom set of backgrounds, or a custom set of archetypes.

BACKGROUNDS

Backgrounds are the default starting point for new Investigators. They represent a basic profession, skill, or point of interest to provide a starting context for a character, and include several related starting items. Here is a list of example backgrounds to inspire or use in your publications:

  1. Factory Worker: Industrial apron (+1 Armor), safety harness, thermos.
  2. Bus Driver: Lunchbox, comprehensive road map, taser (d6, non-lethal).
  3. Mechanic: Adjustable wrench (d6), portable toolbox, electrical tape, brake cleaner.
  4. Garbage Collector: Cut resistant gloves (+1 Armor), hi-vis vest, reach extender, safety glasses.
  5. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Medkit, trauma shears, stethoscope, WAG bag.
  6. Store Clerk: Box cutter (d6), walkie talkies, name tag, incredibly comfortable shoes.
  7. Artist: Artistic tool of choice, notebook, camera, small but passionate fan base.
  8. Athlete: Equipment from sport of choice, sweatband, powdered sports drink.
  9. Skater: Skateboard, video camera, bolt cutters.
  10. Keyboard Warrior: Laptop w/ bag, online following, fake credentials, energy drinks.
  11. Volunteer Firefighter: Collapsible ladder (bulky), axe (d6), fire extinguisher, flashlight.
  12. Bicycle Courier: Bike, helmet (+1 Armor), messenger bag, unopened package, multitool.
  13. Bartender: Barknife (d6), bottle of liquor, cigarettes, confiscated fake IDs.
  14. Therapist: Memo recorder, notebook and pen, business cards, small revolver (d6).
  15. Administrative Assistant: Extensive contacts, corporate credit card, expandable briefcase, taser (d6, non-lethal).
  16. Actor: Audition binder, portable charging brick, spare cosmetic supplies, change of clothes.
  17. Engineer: Laptop w/ design software, waterproof field notebook, wireless router, seldom used PPE.
  18. Social Worker: Laptop w/ bag, ID badge, pocket knife (d6), notebook and pen.
  19. Teacher: Coffee mug, scissors, large bag,
  20. Contractor: Stocked toolbelt, utility knife (d6), heavy duty flashlight, drill.

ARCHETYPES

Archetypes are expanded Backgrounds, providing a more robust characterization to start with by including a glimpse at an Investigator’s history and clues to their personal goals. When writing we often lean into narrative tropes, our favorite films, and other forms of inspiration when designing archetypes. Here is a list of example Archetypes to inspire or use in your publications:

  1. Too Old: The fight against the horrors that lie in the shadows is never ending, and you’ve been doing this a long time. It’s time to find someone to pass the torch to. Take: Wedding ring (+1 Stability), hidden cane sword (d8), detailed journal.
  2. True Crime: Everyone with a microphone has a podcast these days, and your metrics have taken a dive. You need a new angle, a new mystery that no one else has covered yet. That’ll get the audience back. Take: mini shotgun mic, smartphone tripod, LED light.
  3. Final Girl: By some miracle, you made it out alive when no one else did. Left with nothing but questions, returning to “normal” has been difficult and you can’t shake the feeling that the horrors aren’t done with you. Take: A Fallout, machete (d6), bloodstained jacket.
  4. Writers Retreat: It’s been far too long since you put anything on your editor’s desk. Despite the awards and now waning notoriety, the words just don’t flow like they used to. Maybe some time away from routine will get the creative juices flowing. Take: E-paper tablet, whittlin’ jackknife (d6), writing award, bottle of liquor.
  5. Without a Trace: They’re gone. You’ve been searching, but no one seems to know anything. However, they weren’t the only ones to disappear under mysterious circumstances and you may have found a lead. Take: File of evidence, handgun (d6), deteriorated video message from that night.
  6. Resonance: You were young when you found it, the strange object that felt like it called out to you. It’s allowed you to do impossible things, but you weren’t cautious, and now others want it too. Take: A Resonant Artifact, stylish leather jacket (+1 Armor).
  7. Bewitched: You found an ancient leather book in an unusual place. You’ve only managed to translate a small fraction of its indecipherable text and diagrams, but it’s opened your eyes to a whole new world. Take: Leather bound tome, two Rituals.
  8. Class Clown: So what if you didn’t go to college with your friends? So what if you had to move back into your parents’ basement? You’re dependable and can always find a way to lighten the mood. Take: Baseball bat (d6), multitool, bicycle.
  9. Chosen One: The Church always said you were born to do great things, but they were never clear on what that entailed. You managed to break away, putting that all behind you for a chance at a normal life. Take: Ornate amulet (+1 Stability), ritual dagger (d6), gold chalice.
  10. Bookworm: Socializing isn’t your strong suit, as you’ve never really been able to “get” people. Books, however, are something you deeply connect with. Take: Library card, book strap w/ 3 books of choice, stationery set, booklight.
  11. Tastemaker: Your life changed after the videos you posted about your niche hobby went viral. Now it’s become a full time job, complete with the agonizing anxiety of constantly finding something new to post about to maintain your following. Take: Expensive camera, portable lighting, designer bag.
  12. Anonymous Author: Waiting tables pays the bills, but true joy comes from your cat, your “cozy” hobbies, and the following you’ve amassed as a prolific fanfiction author under a secretive pseudonym. Take: Tablet computer, mirrorless camera, knitting needles, yarn.

CREATING AN INVESTIGATOR PROCEDURE

Note: You can include this, or a modified version, in your publications. If adding new archetypes, backgrounds having some built in prompting for the procedure may help Facilitators.

A quick reference for creating an investigator:

EACH PLAYER

1. Attributes Roll 3d6 for each Attribute (can swap any two):

  • STRENGTH (STR): Physicality, brawn, and toughness.
  • DEXTERITY (DEX): Readiness, grace, and precision.
  • CONTROL (CTRL): Willpower, charm, and weird.

2. Hit Protection Roll 1d6 to determine starting Hit Protection (HP).

3. Starting Inventory Each Investigator begins with a smartphone (camera, flashlight, etc.) and 1d6 x 100 cash.
4. Backgrounds & Archetypes Roll or choose a Background or Archetype.
5. Finishing Up Roll Optional Investigator Details.

  • Style
  • The Abyss Stares Back
  • Ideology and Beliefs
  • Character Traits

AS A PARTY
6. Why has the party come together?
7. Investigator Bonds Each player states a relationship to another Investigator.
8. Vehicles Determine what vehicle the party has access to.
9. Associates Create any party non-main character Investigators.
10. Connections Each Investigator creates two NPC contacts.

Next Section: Equipment
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Liminal Horror is developed by Gobin Archives, Josh Domanski, and Zach Hazard Vaupen